Sides needing points to remain alive in the race for a bid in the second round had opposite fortunes on Monday as Portugal and Tunisia posted the results they needed, while Poland was eliminated with Portugal's win.

BELGIUM 1-1 TUNISIA

In a Group H encounter in Oita, Japan, Tunisia's fortunes took a turn for the worst as Belgium took the lead in the 13th minute on a goal from veteran striker and captain Marc Wilmots. However, Tunisia quickly countered with a goal of their own from Raouf Bouzaiene four minutes later to pull off a 1-1 draw, keeping them mathematically alive in the race for a place in the second round. Their task on June 14 will be a tall order, as they must defeat group leaders Japan to match the cohosts at four points and outscore the Japanese by at least two goals to overcome their three-goal disadvantage in goal difference. Also on Friday, Belgium faces Russia with the winner advancing and Belgium eliminated with a draw. A draw would leave Russia's fate depending the result of the Japan-Tunisia match, which will be played at the same time.

Portugal's Pauleta, the leading scorer last season in France's top division with Bordeux, found his scoring touch in posting the second hat-trick of the 2002 World Cup (Miroslav Klose of Germany scored had the first on June 1 vs. Saudi Arabia) as Portugal rebounded from its shock defeat to the United States on Wednesday to defeat Poland 4-0 tonight in a Jeonju rainstorm, eliminating the Polish side from contention for a spot in the Round of 16. Poland is 0-2-0 after being outscored 6-0 in losses to Korea and Portugal.

Pauleta found the net in the 14th minute, taking a pass from Joao Pinto, cutting toward the center of the penalty area and beating goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek with a shot to the near post.

Poland would keep the match close until halftime and into the second half before Pauleta put the game out of reach with goals in the 65th and 77th minutes. Rui Costa, relegated to reserve duty for today's match, added the fourth goal in the 88th minute to finalize Portugal's scoring total.

Group D play concludes on Friday as Portugal takes on cohost Korea and the United States faces Poland. The U.S. and Korea can each advance with a draw, while Portugal needs a win to advance outright. With today's result giving Portugal a strong goal difference relative to Korea and the U.S., Portugal could also advance if they draw Korea and Poland defeats the United States.

Poland will be without midfielder Piotr Swierczewski for its final match after he was given his second caution of group play in Monday's loss.